- Today's Word
Disseminate
dih-SEM-uh-nayt
Definition
(verb) To spread information, ideas, or materials widely.
Example
he campaign aimed to disseminate accurate health information across rural communities.
Fun Fact
Disseminate shares roots with seed—from Latin seminare, “to sow.” The word began as a metaphor for planting ideas and has stayed that way across disciplines. Whether it’s sharing research, propaganda, memes, or medical advice, dissemination is what turns one person’s insight into a public idea. It’s especially common in academic, media, and public health circles.
(adjective) Showy but cheap and of poor quality; lacking good taste.
The room was filled with tawdry decorations that looked like they came from a discount bin.
Mid 17th century: contraction of St. Audrey’s lace, which referred to cheap lace sold at fairs in honor of St. Audrey. Over time, the lace was seen as gaudy and tasteless, and St. Audrey became tawdry.